Swooping into September - Flylady fledglings assemble!

[MogTheSleepyCat]

First of all, a big thank you to SingToTheSky for leading us through the August thread, (you can park your mop and hang up your duster now)

If you are struggling with C.H.A.O.S. (Can't Have Anyone Over Syndrome) and S.T.U.F.F. (Something That Undermines Family Fun) then this is the thread where we (loosely) follow the step-by-step Flylady housekeeping system (in our own, unique, relaxed style) with lots of support and chatter along the way.

The FlyLady link is here . Don't be put off by the twee language of the site – we all agree that the underlying system is very effective.

This little-and-often system is designed so that you can follow a series of steps and routines each day (which gradually become second nature) in zones of the house which are designated weekly; defining and minimising housework - which in theory should leave you with loads more time to do something more interesting instead.

At the same time it is intended to reduce that panicky "rabbit in headlights" feeling when you are overwhelmed and everything needs doing all at once. No problem if you miss a day or two; just jump right back in and it will all come around again next month.

It's up to you, but we advise not signing up to receive the Flylady e-mails as you will be swamped with marketing nonsense. All the information you need will be linked here on a daily basis.

From the first of the month, we will be following Flylady's steps and routines using a three-pronged approach (dependent on the stage everyone is at):

• start or repeat baby steps
• repeat baby steps + do 15 minutes a day decluttering in the current zone
• reinforce baby steps and do daily missions if you have finished decluttering.
• And if you are really enthusiastic and have finished decluttering - you can go on to detailed deep cleaning in each zone.

There are three key points to keep in mind throughout:

• No perfectionism allowed - this is harder than you would imagine and many of us on this thread struggle with this one.
• You are never behind - just start where you are and anything you do is progress.
• It didn't get into a mess overnight, it won't get tidy over night - accept it will take time to get on top of things and you will be happier.

If you are new; then trying to spend 15mins decluttering daily and doing the baby steps is a good way to start. Some of us (mentioning no names) can have scary looking ‘ta-da’ lists but don't let that worry you. Do what you can, anything is better than nothing, and don't judge yourself against others.

If all else fails, a + the power of three technique + a bit of support on here can work wonders.

Here's the launch pad for more experienced fledglings.

Don’t let it put you off if we appear a bit cliquey, we really aren’t. Some of us have been on here for years – but all lurkers, intermittent returnees, oldies and newcomers very, very welcome.

SingToTheSky put together a glossary of the many weird and might-seem-a-bit-cliquey terms. We have been going a long time but we always love newbies - hopefully this list will help you settle in.

KCC - the Keep Calm Corner, invented by our lovely Fledgling SC back in March, where the OP posts nice diverting links, memes, questions etc to distract us from the pandemic.

Ta Da - instead of a to do list (which is of course welcome too) we often post our achievements, with accompanying jazz hands, in order to celebrate the positives, however small they seem! Sometimes if we want to share an embarrassed giggle/commiserations we also post a ta didn’t - the stuff we didn’t get done!

BRC - Bag/Box of Random Crap. These are usually formed when we are panic tidying and shove anything in “to sort later” which is also known as a stash and dash .

Power of Three or PO3 - the idea that if you’re feeling really unmotivated/overwhelmed by your to do list, you just choose three things to do, and then post when you’ve done them.

DLMS - didn’t lose my shit - in other words, somehow stayed relatively calm despite a stressful day!

SS/S&S - Swish and Swipe - this is one of the key parts of the morning routine, a quick once over of the bathroom.

And a few basics:
LOL - load of laundry
WM - washing machine
TD - tumble dryer
DW - dishwasher
HSL - hallway, stairs, landing

lisette i am sorry you havent been able to get a test yet for DS. I didnt know about the 5 day window...looks like my 2 will be with me for 2 weeks.

wellies you hv done soo much. You cooking sounds amazing. I love the sneaking veg and making potato cakes the next day!

Hugs mog and thanks lisette for stepping in with links.

Well I am very pleased to report that after a very long and tiring conversation with DD1 I have persuaded her that it’s better to stay in school and not give up the good parts for the chance of a very part time college course that may not even happen if they don’t get the uptake. There’s some aspects she’s struggling with and I’m gutted she even got to the stage of considering leaving but she does understand that on balance there are more good points than bad and even without the pandemic it would be hard to provide what she needs (DS is very different and HE is totally right for him). HOY seems to have laid it on the line with the exBF too as he’s stopped hitting her so hopefully that’s helping her build up a little faith in school. She had such a shit time in juniors both academically and socially before we withdrew her so she finds it hard to trust teachers to step in!

This will be a dump and run, I promise I will catch up on all personals very shortly!

Ta Da:
🎉Bathroom blitzed.
🎉Kitchen blitzed.
🎉Made a cake. Icing looks wonky, but I've lost my will to live by that point, so I will fix it up tomorrow so it looks prettier, as well as sticking candles on it. Then I had to clean the kitchen again. How does the flour get everywhere?!
🎉Hoovered downstairs
🎉Bins sorted
🎉LOL - washed, dried, and folded.
Work has been busier than usual. I am knackered. I am off to pass out on a bed.

It looks lovely MC. He'll love it!

Mc your cake looks wonderful!!

Hurrah we've got a Covid test for ds! 🔬

ta da
🧘🏻weighed self
🧘🏻bit of HE with DS and sent DH the plan for the day as I still haven’t finished and printed it 🤦‍♀️
🧘🏻walked Cagletini to nursery
🧘🏻yoga
🧘🏻handed homework sheet, learning folder and a book to friend (the latter I’ve been meaning to do for ages!)
🧘🏻walked with DS to pick Cagletini up, went to playground, walked home
🧘🏻booked aqua fit for Friday woohooooo!!!
🧘🏻video chat for DD1’s autism support session
🧘🏻added new things to household weekly plan sheet and got DD1 to update calendar
🧘🏻wrote card for friend’s 1yo (realised I can post tomorrow)
🧘🏻work advisor phone call
🧘🏻cried a lot on DH after said phone call (she’s absolutely lovely, it’s just beyond overwhelming)
🧘🏻discussion and decision making with DD1
🧘🏻ANTI PROCRASTINATION - early in lockdown I had an idea for a blog post. At the end of lockdown, I wrote a draft. Today, I posted it. 😳🤦‍♀️

😁MC that looks good enough to eat! I can nearly taste it.

Wellies I am very impressed with your using up of left overs.

Sing Glad they have sorted the ex boyfriend and that she is going to try and stay. I am so sorry that it has been truly horrible at times. Tell her to not let anyone ruin her chance of an education. Does she have a named member of staff to go to? Someone she has built a relationship and that she trusts. It is hard schools are horrible places at times.

Lisette sorry to hear you haven’t got a test for DS. Is it worth trying just over the border?

Zoo I will come back to you. I had something in my head but it has gone but well done for getting through the day.
Well I don’t want to talk about the meeting and can’t as too outing here. I looked smart apparently, the bag was on the table so I could use contents if needed. No masks less than two metres seated.union rep great as always. Continually mulling over a few points. I hate it, it is constantly in my head. I can’t believe a couple of things that were said.
DH has been really nice to me. He bought me a copy of Country Living today.

I am tired now. I vacuumed the floors downstairs and washed up. I managed to vacuum the dining room floor😉

I will do some flying in the bathroom tomorrow I found a little dust on the shelves😲 I did clean it a lot on Saturday so I was rather ahead of Flylady. I cleared the shower trap🤮and washed all the tray, some of the tiles cleaned the basin and toilet.

Zoo I went back to previous. That seems quite good about the sessions. I hope it works out.

Lisette I see you got a test great.

Oh I so tired it’s 🍒🍒🍒🍒🍒🍒🍒🍒🍒🍒🍒👋👋👋👋👋👋👋👋for all I missed.

Hi all! Really struggling to sleep. I’m browsing the Smyths website in hopes for Christmas ideas, but no luck!. DD has creeped into my bed, she’s not too well. I’m hoping it’s just back to school sniffles or a bit tired from the heat, but we shall see how she feels in the morning!.

lisette good luck with the test!

God wellies you’ve done so much!

sing I’m glad DD has been persuaded to stay. Sorry to hear she’s had such a tough time though, I hope it gets sorted now.

The cake looks so tasty mc

How do you think it went bower?

zoo not sure if it will help you but I did inspector calls and a Christmas carol at school (also Macbeth). I still have the books somewhere in the attic, if it’ll help DS I can PM some of my notes if he ever needs them. If it isn’t a help no worries!. I’m also happy to send the books over (although they don’t have the best annotations and may have a few rude drawings). It sounds quite positive for him though. I hope the sixth form get back to you swiftly.

Final ta da’s

🍱Walked dog
🍱Picked up poo
🍱Cleaned out Guinea pigs
🍱Put tea on (tuna pasta bake)
🍱Washed bath bats
🍱Hoovered DC rooms
🍱Emptied bin
🍱Meal planned
🍱Washed up from tea
🍱Wiped kitchen surfaces and floor
🍱Bathed DC
🍱Put DC to bed
🍱Shined sink

orange thanks for the offer,we have the books now and if need revision notes dd2 has hers still
Sing I hope things settle for DD now
Wellies food at yours sounds lush
Bower big hugs lovely,sounds like you need them.glad DH was kind
MC you did a great job
Mog hope today's calmer
Lisette glad you got rest sorted for D's
Toostressy glad you got oven sorted.hope wasn't too expensive

Hope i remembered everyone!

6th form new regime starts Monday,DD gutted it's not of immediate effect

TAF meet today via zoom so another busy one

Morning,

Bet Zoo has a list of TaDas already.
I am lying here trying not to think of a couple of things said yesterday. I don’t think it matters what I say she believes this other person and that’s that. DH says it is heresay and shouldn’t be taken much notice of. It is eating me up because I don’t think it is true.
I am going to get stuck in soon with the radio on to distract my thoughts.DH has gone walking. He brought me a mug of tea so he is improving.

MC how did the cake go. Like zoo any left overs welcome here although I do have cake.

I made a lemon cake for us last Saturday and a Victoria Sponge for new neighbours. I took it over six times but they were either out or didn’t hear or didn’t want to answer the door then it didn’t look as nice as the icing sugar dusting looked awful so we have eaten it and I will make another.
Sing I hope she has a better day. At least she can relax a bit if the ex is behaving better.
Toostressy also glad oven sorted. I saw DS3 s new oven and it looks good. He is pleased with it so far.

I also saw where the car had been. Oh my goodness. If someone had been walking there they definitely would have been hit. The tyre marks were about 40-50 cm from the house and the one next door. They open straight onto the street no front garden. There are still bits of debris around and the council have dug up the footpath and removed the pole so it must have been pretty bent. So lucky that DS and friend had just gone in and that no one else was on the street.

Leaving croissants 🥐 In haughty corner for Mog and anyone else.

Hope everyone has a good day.

Scary about the car Bower, so lucky no one was hit. Sorry the meeting is playing on your mind

Cake looks fab Mc

Sing I’m glad DD feels she can stay. She’s a strong girl.

Wellies very impressed with your meal planning. The conversation with your DH sounds just like one I’d have with mine. I sometimes think he’s winding me up when he asks me about something I’ve just told him about, but no, he really hasn’t listened to a word

Lisette, glad you’ve managed to get a test and thanks for links.

Hope today is an easier one Mog.

Hope you got some sleep Orange.

Waves to Foxes, Zoo, That, Chic, Hazel, SC, Stressy, Dancing, Alex, Cineraria and the rest of you lovely lot. I know I’ll have missed some as ever.

Yesterday’s ta Das:
✅ kept the place generally tidy, dishes done etc
✅ beds stripped, bedding washed, remade
✅ larder cleaned and tidied and made shopping list
✅ freezer inventory
✅ wiped down door between garage and utility
✅ wiped down radiator in dining room - the cat beds are on it and it gets a little furry
✅ bit of financial and Christmas planning. Hoping there is no unpaid self isolation in the next few months to thwart it.

We spent most of the day in the garden again yesterday. It’s looking miserable today though.

One of my relative’s test results has come back negative this morning (woohoo!) but we are still waiting on another (the more ill one). Hopefully today so we can get back to work/nursery and therefore normality. I’m also looking forward to leaving the house!

This morning:
✅ breakfast for humans and cats
✅ phoned boss/nursery to update
✅ LOL
✅ beds made (I also like to air them, but just do half and hour or so with the window open, as I hate having them unmade)

Am musing about a breakfast for humans AND cats Upholder. Milk and crumpets perhaps? Do cats eat porridge? Made me smile. Strong black coffee and whiskas?

Lisette. The cats do get their own breakfast, but they also eagerly await the sound of the breakfast bowls going down so they can see if there’s any excess milk to be lapped up. One of them is also partial to leftover toast crusts.

I am partial to milk and left over crusts myself. Younger humans, in particular, seem less keen about the crusts.

there was no-one at the test site apparently - more testers than people. All done - 48 hour wait for result.

Glad you got test sorted Lisette , seems to be the case that's it the booking system that's the issue? It's a bit of a mess isn't it?!

Sing your poor dd , I hope the school gets the situation sorted out completely now.

After saying I'd be back on the flylady wagon I'm really, really not! And I'm not keeping up well with the thread either so I'm really sorry for not chatting much and I'm sure I've missed loads of stuff happening.

It's silly really but the new school times have meant that I just seem to be playing catch up constantly. Dd starts earlier now so we have to get up and out earlier, we can't cut through the school carpark / entrance area anymore which adds about 15 minutes onto the already long walk, then she also finishes school earlier than before meaning I basically have to leave an hour earlier than I used to to collect her. And poor ds is exhausted from the extra walking and I feel so mean dragging him along this morning because we were running late it's not his fault!

And work is so busy so I'm doing extra hours on my days off.

Anyway today I have decided to ditch it all and go and have lunch with my mum

Some ta das from my little blitz this morning (still haven't achieved any zone work whatsoever)
Dishwasher emptied and reloaded
Washing hung up and more on
Cups from upstairs collected
Paid a bill online
Ordered dishwasher tablets
Chicken out of freezer for dinner

Lisette that's lucky.i saw on news tests be restricted to prioritize NHS staff as some hospitals are struggling with staff SI as can't get one,and care homes.it would be laughable if it wasn't so serious in a life or death kind of way what fits dinners it's become...
Up I once had a cat loved Weetabix i hated littertray after if sneaky swine got mitts on any,when I was with dd1 dad he had adorable rogue of a long haired ginger boy that would literally eat and drink virtually ANYTHING.only thing of limits was Rubensand jelly.anything else was fair game!we had another cat that loved cheese but only with a digestive!and my current girls think scoutcats weird drinking milk,but one loves cheeseand the other loves marmite!they are all such funny characters
Glad test 1 was negative.hope other one does too🤞

Bower lemon cake divides my cake loving family..lil zoo adores it,D's despises it,and dd2 and I enjoy flavour but reflux after makes us wish we hadn't!

Tada
🍀Wash on
🍀Cats fed
🍀Harpic lav
🍀Tidy hall floor after near broke neck on shoes lob in heap then kicked around
🍀Start cajoling dd2 as she's in full panic mode and having stress induced poo issues
🍀Chuck snack in bags as neither girl will eat lunch at mo
🍀Add fresh sealable sandwich bags with clean masks to bags
🍀Make brekkie
🍀Wash in drier,more in
🍀Remind dd2 we have to leave and needs get dressed
🍀Lil zoo IBS pains join in.apply buscopan and lob pack polos at her
🍀Finally leave house,half way down road dd2 has meltdown forgot phone
🍀Once retrieved phone school run

Forgot to add
Bower I'm sorry meet was so unpleasant.please you MUST try not to take to heart hearsay and lies.it will leave you eaten up inside with grief and anxiety.i know it's very very hard but you need try and concentrate on all the positives your career bought to so many.i loved hearing the Lego therapy stories and all the children wanting give you hugs.THEY are what matters in all of this.you did right by your kids and the parents.hold on to that.xxxx
Foxes lots new rules,lots changes.enjoy your time out with mum!

Big hugs bower it’s horrible knowing people believe untrue and unfair things. Well done for faxing the meeting!

I’m at the station waiting to get the train to Victoria and meet mum and dad for a posh lunch. I am underdressed but oh well. 😳

Orange I did an inspector calls at school! Saw the play of it too. I didn’t follow Macbeth at school/college but I did it in a casual way with the Caglets and we all loved it. We saw a schools performance at the globe where one man performed the whole thing using a black cloth folded in various ways to represent crows, witches and lady M! It was amazing.

Foxes that all sounds really stressful. Surely they should allow DS to get there later? I don’t see how that’s more dangerous re the virus.

Thanks for all the thoughts re DD1. I’m really proud of her. I admit I’m relieved too not to have to HE her again - her needs are wildly different from DS’, and frankly I don’t feel confident I could provide what she needs - the local community is somewhat flakey and trying to set up group learning has generally fallen flat - with the pandemic on top it is just not enough for her. What she really needs is school but with lovely home ed kids in it 😂

Zoo you made me cry. Thank you. Don't actually know what she was referring to hard to refute if you don't know what that accusation was! I sat like a rabbit in the headlights racking my brains.

What a morning I thought phones nowadays had to be surgically removed! Just had a flash back to being a teen.One phone in the house (yes they were available then) I had to ask permission to use it. I got asked who I was phoning and not to be on long.

Up Thank you for the flowers* Impressive list yesterday.
Good news re tests so far.
DDs cat liked toast but it had to have butter on it. Hens like porridge and crusts. DD muses that eating your crusts makes your hair curl. She said she didn't eat so why is her hair curly.

Sing thanks well it might be true because I did tell off those misbehaving. So would older staff that were there. Kids still used to clap or cheer when I went to get them. One of the fathers apologised for his behaviour when he was young and please don't tell his children. He said you were always firm but fair.
I hope you have a lovely lunch. I don't think it matters now as long as you feel comfortable.
Foxes sorry to hear you are a bit snowed under it sounds stressful. Glad to hear you are having a lunch break with your mum sounds like you need some time to yourself. Hope it is enjoyable.

Radio 4 has Moneybox about students. Might be worth listening to if you have one going to Uni next week.If you have questions you can email.

Ta Das
Stripped bed sheet in WM.
Pegged out washing.
Removed all nicnacs from bathroom shelves.
Dust shelves, wipe with spray.
Wash some nicnacs mainly the boats, wipe other stuff with Method.
Remove all things touching floor.
About to wash floor. Towels were washed so put them back and wash a hand towel. I am trying to do them more often. We always have some fresh available. DH still hasn't made the connection between taking towels off the line and putting them in the bathroom or airing cupboard. I find them in the basket for me to put away.

Cleaned three shelves in baking cupboard while waiting for the water to heat up.We don't have constant hot water unless the woodburner is on. Otherwise the immersion needs to go on. So that's why I am on Mumsnet I had a tea break as well.

Decanted sugar x3 into Tupperware.

To do
Wash bathroom floor.
Wash kitchen floor.
pile of ironing.
Finish baking cupboard. I think I will try and swap some stuff around.

Meeting was rubbish, CAMHS just kept saying mum needs model behaviour wanted.I DO and I'm still required help zoolets self regulate incl trailing round nature reserve when should be fixing lil ones tea and my joints are seizing,calming trying to challenge negative thinking whilst being screamed at and trying defuse huge overwhelming panic attacks.gggr.wish they would actually listen sometimes...

Mog Lisette and Dancing, I hope the tests come back negative for you.
Bower I quite like Country Living too, I usually flick through the digital version.
I am sorry you are having such a tough time with the meeting. It's really not easy 💐
Wellies your cooking is goals (or whatever the phrase young people use these days). I try to do this chain cooking utilising leftovers, but I can do maximum of 2 days. Working on it.
Sing I am very pleased your DD giving school another chance. She sounds very sensible.
Zoo you are really cracking through those lists!